What to consider when hiring a Private Investigator:

Make sure they have a license.  A Private Investigator should be able to produce a copy of his/her license immediately for you.  In California the state issued identification card resembles a driver’s license with photo of the Private Investigator, business name, license number and validation date.  You should ask to see it in person or on contract and then compare the name doing business with you to the name of the person with the Private Investigators license.  Anyone can say or portray that they are a Private Investigator but in The State of California only licensed Private Investigators can offer services either his/her self, with employees or with other licensed contracted associates.  This will prevent illegal business practice and also be aware that there are many licensed Private Investigators that have inexperienced and unlicensed individuals conducting surveillance for them.  At catchacheatPI you can rest assured!  Anyone can say that they are licensed, especially in your time of need..

To verify a Private Investigators License in the State of California:

Experience.  In the state of California there are many Private Investigators that have little or no investigative background.  There are many that have retired from law enforcement or military careers and decide that this profession would be action packed and exciting.  There are also in some cases, relatives or friends of the retired state license holder that portray themselves as Private Investigators and conduct business with out the licensees care or knowledge.  Be aware that this is illegal misrepresentation and use of a State Issued License;  the employee of the licensed individual is referred to only as an "employee investigator" (not a Private Investigator).  Bottom line, the more experienced the investigator, (someone who does this type of surveillance regularly) the greater the likelihood of success in your investigation.

If you have any doubt, contact the local, "Cheater Specialists" Private Investigators for professional services

Are they insured?  The private investigator who you hire is working for you, as your agent.  If he/she is working on your case and they damage someone's property, get in a car accident, presents false information, etc., they should have ample insurance to cover any loses should they arise.  If they do not, you, the one who hired them are exposed and may be liable.  It should be no problem for a reputable private investigator to present a certificate of insurance coverage for you to review and verify.
Although not mandatory it offers you security should something go wrong, we are well covered and can provide a copy of our yearly valid policy upon request.

Are you an Agency with Associates, Employees or just an individual Private Investigator?  This is best described as are you an individual entity working part time from home or an actual agency which conducts investigations daily with experienced employees or licensed contractors?  Also be aware that there are many misleading web sites, advertisement, craigslist adds, etc., a simple phone call and you may be slick talked into doing business with an investigator not licensed to practice in California or one that's hundreds of miles away from your case.  The Private Investigator by law must also display his license number on any written or published advertisement.  Be sure to "validate" the state issued number your self and compare the name of with the person that you speak with, this will also prevent illegal business practice.

Where is your Agency walk in office located?  In our profession there are many that try to mislead you into believing that they are an "Agency", in reality they are not and work part time.  Although a walk in office is not mandated in The State of California like in other states, it's nice to know that your Private Investigator has roots (other than a coffee shop) and will be available for you should questions arise or if needed for testimony in court after the completion of your investigation.  We like to meet with the client privately in our office or secured environment to go over the final report and view the gathered video evidence but this is not necessary.  Out of state or distant clients are shipped all evidence usually next day per client instructions.

Who will be the investigator on your case, will it be a male or female operative? You should know, surveillance is an artful skill only acquired through hands on experience when it comes down to it.  The old saying is never truer than in our profession, "The more you do it the better you are at it".  We average eighty to ninety percent surveillance investigations of all types successfully daily, "Where all others fail we prevail".  Whether it is stationary, on foot or in vehicle it does matter who performs the skillful act and only you know best if a male or female operative would work best for your investigation.  Things to consider first are driving, possible contacts, location, time of investigation and surroundings.

When will I get updates on my case?  Updates are strictly up to the client with our investigations and will vary or be limited if you do not ask.

Always get a contract.  You should get a formal contract that indicates what you are hiring the Private Investigator for and what you will get in return.  Our agency contract is a lawful, very specific front and back page contract that clearly promises the client both a detailed report with digital photos and a DVD for viewing all activities observed of your investigation.  Not all questions are listed;  these are however simple enough to feel secure with a Private Investigator before you even call one or even begin to consider their services.